THE BLACKOUT

Evening Star, Issue 23864, 19 April 1941, Page 8

THE BLACKOUT

FULLEST PUBLIC SUPPORT URGED GtVEimiEKT ACTING ON BRITISH ADVICE SSV-DLDW WOULD CIVE RAIDER LANDFALL [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, April 19. The Minister of National Service, Mr Semple, to-day referred in a statement to public criticism of the lighting restrictions ; “ Expressions of doubt, and unnecessary or unreasonable criticism make it difficult for us to obtain full results through public co-operation in the effort to give the people greater protection,” said Mr Semple. “The Government is in constant touch with the British authorities and receives technical expert advice from the chiefs <jf the three defence' arms. Any line of action taken in the matter of reduced lighting has been in conformity with this advice. “Of one thing we may he sure: If this Dominion is at any time the subject of enemy attentimi through a raider, wo will not be given notice of ins purpose. Wo must therefore prepare against such event, because it would be no good trying to do these things when shells or bombs are actually falling. The Navy affords us wonderful protection, but the oceans are vast, and if a raider slipped through wo would afford him great assistance by making it easy for him to "identify his landfall. “ A glow in the sky cast by city lighting, or direct lights showing from coastal towns can assist enemy ships. The night lighting .restrictions are designed to eliminate sky-glow, to obscure lights showing directly; and as a precautionary measure in view of the export advice the Government received, they are fully justified. They cause inconvenience, hut surely inconvenience is the least we are entitled to expect in war. W are making sure in good time that we may not be sorry, and I look forward to the fullest support.”